Laser sintering technique to fabricate Nano-Sn/Graphite anode for lithium ion batteries: Microstructures and electrochemical properties

Abstract Nano-Sn/Graphite anodes for lithium-ion batteries are successfully fabricated by the method of laser sintering on the copper current collectors. Then microstructures and electrochemical properties of the electrodes are investigated in details. The results show that the microstructure of the electrode is featured with discontinuous pore networks attached to the grain boundaries and nano-Sn particles embedded in the graphite that connect through sintering neck. On the free surface of the electrode, the graphite develops from block-shape into sheets. Meanwhile, the electrode exhibits a firm interface bonding with the current collector benefitting from the formation of the mutual diffusion zone. Being attributed to the microstructure characteristics, the electrode exhibits high capacity, and long cycle life performance compared with those of the electrode before laser sintering, indicating that the laser sintering is an effective method to fabricate anode of lithium-ion batteries.